LANAP and LAPIP Treatment

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

LANAP and LAPIP Treatment | If you are concerned that you may have developed gum disease, you may have good reason to worry. Nearly half of U.S. adults are affected by gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease. So 65 million people are actually dealing with gum disease right now. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons that people require dental care. To determine if you have gum disease, you will need to know some common symptoms. And if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will need some information about treatments like LANAP and LAPIP treatment.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a condition that develops due to improper oral hygiene habits. By regularly brushing and flossing, you are helping to prevent and remove something called plaque, which is a sticky film that adheres to teeth. The bacteria contained within plaque releases acids that can damage teeth and gums. Over time, gum disease can undermine the support of teeth, even causing them to loosen and fall out.

What are some symptoms of gum disease?

Although gum disease can progress without any obvious symptoms, there are typically some signs that are evident as it develops, such as:

• Gums that are red, tender or swollen
• Gums that frequently bleed during brushing or flossing
• Receding gums that can make teeth appear longer than they actually are
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth

LANAP & LAPIP Gum Disease Treatment

LANAP, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and LAPIP, which stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitus Procedure, are two of the most advanced treatments for gum disease. They rely upon the use of a safe dental laser that has various settings.

One advantage to undergoing a LANAP or LAPIP procedure for gum disease treatment is that the laser is incredibly precise. It only targets damaged or diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. This means that your recovery and healing time will be shorter than other types of treatments.

How are LANAP & LAPIP different from normal gum disease surgery?

Traditional gum disease surgery involves incisions and sutures. This can result in undesirable effects, like a reduction of the gum line or a painful postoperative recovery. In the case of traditional treatments for peri-implant disease, a bone graft is often required.

LANAP or LAPIP Procedure

Before your procedure, your dentist will provide you with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. They will then use a laser to remove diseased and infected tissue without the need for cutting or affecting healthy gum tissue.

After your dentist has finished using the laser, they will remove any deposits of tartar found on your teeth and flush all pockets using an antibacterial rinse. Next, they will again use a laser to remove tartar and sterilize or clean the bone, root, and tissues around your teeth or implant.

The Bottom Line

Provided you follow all instructions and take part in follow-up appointments, LANAP and LAPIP treatment is an excellent way to promote tissue and bone regeneration, as well as reduce pocket depth and help your body recover from chronic infection. These procedures allow you to restore your oral health and appearance without the discomfort and lengthy recovery times involved with more conventional techniques.

Contact Weston Dental Specialists Group at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online.

Visiting a new dentist can be a little unnerving for some people.  If you have recently found yourself entering the phrase ‘dentist near me’ in a Google search, you should know that the first dental appointment is normally a fairly routine affair. Dentists sometimes just use that initial visit as a get-to-know-you session, leaving the dental work for a subsequent visit.

Although every dentist is little different, there are some common elements to a typical first dental visit:

• Records and paperwork
• Discussion of patient concerns
• Dental exam and cleaning
• X-rays if needed

Records and Paperwork

Before undergoing any type of treatment or procedure, your dentist will probably need some medical records from you. You’ll need to fill out a complete medical history form. Keep in mind that all of this information will remain confidential, so be honest with your answers. This allows your dentist to correctly assess any dental health risk factors that could affect your treatment options.

Discussing Any Concerns

Most dentists will want to meet with you prior to performing an examination. This is a chance to have a conversation with your dentist and share any questions or concerns that you may have about your dental health or needed treatments.

Dental Exam

Your dentist will want to check your mouth for any signs of sensitivity or pain, as well as look for signs of gum inflammation or redness. They may also examine your jaw and supporting muscles.

In the case of an emergency dental visit, your dentist may restrict the examination to just the site of the problem. But since a problem in one area of the mouth can lead to problems in another, they will likely perform a comprehensive examination.

Dental Cleaning

Undergoing a professional dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque and flossing of your teeth so that your teeth and smile are at their very best. Regular dental visits almost always involve a dental cleaning. If you have anxiety, this cleaning can be performed under sedation or laughing gas.

A dental cleaning can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending upon the condition of your teeth. If your gums are already irritated, you may experience some sensitivity. Let your dental hygienist know if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort.

X-Rays

Many dentists perform x-rays at every dental appointment so that they can visualize the current condition and health of your gum tissue and supporting bone.

Preparing

Don’t overdo things with brushing and flossing before your appointment. Your dental team already knows if you’ve been regularly brushing or not. If you work over your teeth and gums right before your appointment, it won’t make up for months of neglect.

Your First Dental Visit

Visiting a new dentist is much like starting a new relationship. There may be a moment or two of awkwardness before a comfort and trust level is established. Open and honest communication goes a long way in helping develop a relationship that is vital to protecting the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.

Learn more about dental care by contacting our friendly, expert team at Weston Dental Specialists Group. Call (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online. See you soon!

Veneers

Veneers | Your smile says a lot about you in terms of your confidence and appearance. So if it has some flaws, you may not be able to look and feel your very best. The good news is that smile defects can be corrected with advanced dental techniques and procedures. The so-called “smile makeover” is actually a number of procedures that are put together for the needs of each individual patient. One patient may need dental implants and veneers, while another might get by with professional teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding.

Your Smile Makeover

To come up with a plan to fit your unique needs, your dentist will be taking into account factors like your overall facial appearance and the shape, length, and color of your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will be working closely with you in formulating a unique treatment plan so that you can achieve the smile that you are looking for. A smile makeover plan may include a number of cosmetic and restorative procedures, such as composite bonding, teeth whitening, dental veneers, crowns, gummy smile reduction or orthodontics. So before actually getting a smile makeover, you will need to take part in a consultation with your dentist so that they can examine you and provide the best recommendations to improve the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.

Some possible treatments and procedures that can make up a smile makeover include: 

• Dental implants
• Porcelain veneers
• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Wisdom teeth removal
• Professional teeth whitening
• Dental bonding

Some of the problems that can be corrected by a smile makeover include the following.

Spacing and Alignment

If you have issues with teeth that are gapped, overlapping, or crooked, a smile makeover can straighten and align them using orthodontics, veneers or Invisalign.

Missing Teeth

It’s hard to look your best when you have one or more missing teeth. Besides mere cosmetic concerns, missing teeth can also have a negative impact upon your bite and raise your odds of developing tooth decay. So addressing missing teeth with a smile makeover can improve both your appearance and oral health.  Some possibilities for repairing missing teeth include dental implants, partial dentures or dental bridges. 

Harmony and Balance

Chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth can be addressed through cosmetic bonding to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. If you have a gummy smile, it can be re-contoured to boost the overall look of your teeth and smile.

Fuller Lips and Cheeks

Those with an aging or unshapely face can get a significant improvement through the use of certain treatments and procedures that fall under the smile makeover category, including oral maxillofacial surgery or orthodontics.

Length of Teeth

Having long teeth is associated with a more youthful appearance because the aging process tends to wear down teeth, resulting in teeth that are shorter. Also, those with a gummy smile may have teeth that appear shorter. To correct shorter teeth, composite bonding or porcelain veneers can be used. A gummy smile can be corrected through a modification of the gum line. Laser dentistry procedures can be used as well.

Schedule Your Consultation

 Contact our team to learn more about veneers and your smile makeover. New patients are welcome. Contact our team at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online.

Nitrous Oxide

If you experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, or even when just thinking about it, you should know that you are not alone. Experiencing dental anxiety is extremely common among patients of all ages. We want you to be able to receive needed dental care with as little stress and anxiety as possible! Here is some information to provide you with some strategies to help reduce your anxiety. It includes methods ranging from helpful tips to sedation techniques, like the use of nitrous oxide. Taken together, these elements should help you get through your next dental appointment as comfortably as possible.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is an uneasy feeling that you may have about a dental appointment or procedure. For most people the dental anxiety that they experience is unpleasant, but they are able to get through it. Others may be actually terrified at the mere thought of undergoing any type of dental procedure, which could indicate a more serious form of anxiety known as dental phobia. As if dental anxiety wasn’t bad enough in its own right, it can cause problems when a patient puts off necessary dental treatments and procedures. Left untreated, problems like tooth decay and gum disease can result in the need for serious and expensive dental work that can heighten anxiety even further.

How can I become less anxious when visiting the dentist? 

If you are debating with yourself whether to talk with your dentist about your worries and fears, the answer is most definitely yes. Dental anxiety, as mentioned earlier, is extremely common. Your dental team is used to this type of reaction, so don’t be embarrassed about opening up about your anxieties so that we can help calm your fears so that you are less anxious and more comfortable.

Some strategies for coping with dental anxiety include:

• If you are undergoing a consultation for any type of dental procedure, open up about your anxiety. One way we can help is by giving you a detailed explanation of every step of the procedure that you will be undergoing so that you can mentally prepare for it.
• Establish some type of signal, like raising your hand, to let us know that your anxiety is increasing. In the meantime, you may want to rinse your mouth or do something to help you catch your breath before restarting.
• Earbuds help. Bring earbuds so that you can listen to your favorite music during your treatment.

 Learn More Learn more about dental anxiety and nitrous oxide with a dental consultation today.  Contact our office at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online. New patients are welcome!

Invisalign Weston MA

Invisalign Weston MA | Having straight teeth is an essential part of maintaining the health and appearance of your teeth and smile. Invisalign has become extremely popular throughout the years with those looking for a discreet treatment. But the system is not a completely passive one. To get the most out of Invisalign Weston MA patients need to know how to properly maintain their Invisalign clear aligners.

Maintaining Your Aligners

Being treated with Invisalign is more than about simply keeping your aligners in your mouth for the required 22 hours a day. You must also ensure that you keep your teeth and aligners clean. This goes beyond mere cosmetics, as no one wants to walk around with dirty trays. Besides the cosmetic issues, you want to make sure that your aligners are free from an accumulation of bacteria that can negatively affect both your oral hygiene and general health. Although your aligners are made from an inorganic material, they can still be affected by oral bacteria if you don’t clean them properly. Food debris and sugars can stick to uncleaned Invisalign Weston MA aligners, leading to a buildup of bacteria that can discolor your aligners and cause them to have a foul odor. So you need to be cleaning your Invisalign Weston MA aligners on a daily basis to ensure that your treatment is working properly and that you do not develop problems like bad breath. Read on to discover how to clean your trays so that they remain clear and free of bacteria.

Starting a Maintenance Routine

Because you will be sleeping while wearing your aligners, it’s best to remove them the first thing each morning. Clean both your teeth and the actual trays before replacing them into your mouth. While you are sleeping, bacteria has a chance to grow unimpeded. So follow this routine when waking and repeat it before going to bed.

Rinse Your Aligners

Make it a habit to thoroughly rinse your Invisalign aligners every time you remove them from your mouth. Use cold water to rinse them and remove any dried saliva. If you have taken your aligners out, never leave your trays out in the open. And don’t forget to avoid rinsing your aligners using hot water that can warp your trays. Trays with a distorted shape can cause discomfort and affect your treatment.

Brush and Floss

Optimally, you should only remove your trays before you eat or drink. Before replacing your trays, remember to brush and floss your teeth. Otherwise, food particles can become trapped in the trays, potentially causing cavities or other dental problems.

Soak Your Trays

To make sure that your clear aligners remain clean, soak your trays each day using a denture cleaner or Invisalign Weston MA cleaning crystals.

• Never use hot water or mouthwash to soak your trays, as this could damage them.
• After you have soaked your trays, use a good toothbrush to remove any lingering food particles.

Schedule A Consultation

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign Weston MA  improves your smile but also your confidence! Contact us at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online.  

Dental Office Weston MA

Dental Office Weston MA | Most people realize that they should be visiting their dentist for routine exams and cleanings twice annually. These regular appointments ensure that your teeth remain clean and that you have your best chance of preventing oral health problems. Before making an appointment with their dental office Weston MA patients sometimes wonder how they will know when they really need dental care.

Tooth Pain

Experiencing tooth pain is a classic sign that something is wrong that needs to be addressed right away. Left untreated, tooth pain almost always becomes worse, and whatever underlying problem is causing the pain will progress. If you are experiencing swelling around your cheeks, or the site of the pain, this usually indicates an infection. So you definitely need to see the dentist right away so that they can provide immediate pain relief, as well as prescribing antibiotics to begin treating the infection.

Mouth Trauma

You should also visit your dentist if you undergo any type of trauma or injury to your teeth or mouth. Even if you are not in a great deal of pain. You still need to visit the dentist to get things checked out. An injury to the teeth can sometimes cause root damage; so regardless of whether you feel like it is a true emergency or not, it is vital to visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

White Spots on Gums or Teeth

White spots on the gums or teeth may be an indication of the presence of decay, so you will definitely want to check in with the dentist. By acting upon the appearance of white spots early on, you give yourself your best chance for preventing cavities.

Canker Sores

Sooner or later, most of us will experience canker sores. They are normally caused by accidentally biting the inner cheek. Although they can also be caused by some type of irritant. Canker sores are basically small ulcers affecting the gums and inner cheeks. Canker sores typically resolve themselves in about one week, but in some cases they can be severe and slow to heal. If you develop canker sores that just never seem to go away. You should schedule an appointment with the dental office Weston MA.

Bleeding Gums

To determine whether to visit your dental office Weston MA after experiencing bleeding gums. You need to look at the circumstances surrounding the occurrence. It is not unusual for gums to temporarily bleed after you overdo things with a vigorous brushing and flossing session. The problem comes in when you experience chronically bleeding gums. This could be an indication of periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease. Periodontal disease is a very serious dental condition that becomes progressively worse if you do not receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

For More Information

Maintaining your dental visits is vital for good oral health. Contact us at (781) 894-0347  to schedule a consultation with your Dental Office Weston MA today.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Invisalign

Invisalign Wayland | If you are like many adults, you may find yourself struggling with the embarrassment and stigma of having misaligned teeth. If this is the case, you need to realize that modern solutions are significantly more advanced today than even just a few years ago. There are now treatment options that do not require you to wear traditional metal braces. With Invisalign Wayland adults can have their teeth straightened in a very convenient and unobtrusive way.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system involving the use of a set of clear aligners that fit comfortably and snugly over your teeth. Adults no longer need to worry about feeling embarrassed about wearing braces at their age. The clear aligners used in the Invisalign system are virtually invisible to others. Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits of the Invisalign system for adults:

Faster Treatment

Getting treated with Invisalign can take as little as one year, depending upon your individual situation. So if a fast treatment is important to you, you should definitely consider Invisalign Wayland.

Virtually Undetectable

Your Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic that is virtually invisible to the naked eye. So you can have your teeth treated without feeling self-conscious about it.

Comfortable and Safe

It can be difficult to eat and clean your teeth when you are wearing traditional metal braces. All of those bulky brackets and wires can get in the way. And it is not unheard of for a wire to pop loose and stick into the soft tissues of the mouth. Ouch! Invisalign is made of a material without any sharp edges. Your trays are custom fit for the unique contours of your teeth, mouth and gums. In short, there are no wires that could come loose and poke your tongue or gums.

Easy Maintenance

Let’s face it. Traditional metal braces are notoriously difficult to maintain. They are forever getting food debris stuck on them, which forces you to clean them every time you eat. In addition, Invisalign aligner trays are incredibly easy to clean. Since they are completely removable, cleaning is hassle free. Just remove your aligners from your mouth and brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. When done cleaning, rinse them using warm, not hot, water before replacing them.

Food Restrictions

This is a big one. Wearers of traditional metal braces must avoid certain foods, particularly hard or sticky ones that could adhere to their orthodontics. With Invisalign Wayland, if can eat any of your favorite foods and snacks, you just have to remove your aligners and put them back on after. To conclude, there are no worries about damaging your braces. Just remember to replace them afterwards.

Schedule Your Consultation

Learn more about Invisalign Wayland by contacting us at (781) 894-0347   and scheduling a consultation today.  

Cosmetic Dental Treatment

Cosmetic Dental Treatment | A full mouth reconstruction is a type of cosmetic dental treatment involving a number of procedures to rebuild or simultaneously restore all teeth found in the upper and lower jaws. General or restorative dentists are common in a full mouth reconstruction to provide procedures like bridges, crowns and veneers. Specialists like periodontists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons may also be take part in a cosmetic dental treatment.

You may want to undergo a full mouth reconstruction if you have:

• Teeth lost because of decay or trauma
• Fractured or injured teeth
• Teeth that are worn down due to erosion or the consumption of certain beverages and foods, as well as acid reflux or teeth grinding

Getting Started

If you feel that you would benefit from a full mouth reconstruction, make an appointment with your dentist so that they can examine your mouth. The extent of your problems can be determined, allowing for the development of a customized treatment plan for correcting them. The current condition of your teeth will suggest what restorative procedures you may need. Some common procedures incorporated into a full mouth reconstruction include:

• Porcelain veneers
• Dental crowns
• Inlays or onlays
• Dental bridges
• Dental implants

If you have gum disease, you may need a scaling and root planing treatment. More intensive treatments can be provided from a periodontist to provide a solid foundation for newly reconstructed teeth. These types of treatments may involve bone or soft tissue grafts to shore up your gums and underlying bone structure. In short, an examination can help to reveal deep pockets, periodontal disease, insufficient gum tissue, and bone density problems. Cosmetic dental treatment.

What procedures will I need?

That answer can only be provided during a consultation with your dentist and their colleagues who will be working on your full mouth reconstruction. The procedure typically involves multiple stages and appointments. The following cosmetic dental treatment may be necessary, depending upon your individual needs:

• Prophylactic teeth cleaning
• Crown lengthening to allow for possible bridges or crowns
• Repositioning of the jaw
• Gum tissue recontouring
• Repairing tooth structure for placement of bridges, crowns or veneers
• Permanent restorations like veneers, crowns, bridges, or inlays and onlays
• Braces so that your teeth are in ideal position for reconstruction
• Placement of dental implants
• Bone or soft tissue grafting

Contact Us

Learn more about a cosmetic dental treatment with a consultation today. Contact us at (781) 894-0347 for more information.

Dental Office Wayland

Dental Office Wayland | For your teeth and smile to remain healthy and attractive. You must avail yourself of all of the services offered by your dental team. This includes both general and cosmetic dental procedures. When they walk through the door of the dental office Wayland. Patients expect procedures like dental fillings, teeth whitening, and more to help protect them from tooth decay and gum disease. While also helping you achieve that megawatt smile that you desire. Let’s take a look at some common general and cosmetic dental procedures: who could benefit from them and how they are performed.

Dental Fillings

It doesn’t get much more basic than dental fillings. As hard as you try, tooth decay can happen. You may have let up on your oral hygiene routine, or have some areas that are hard to reach with your toothbrush. Whatever the case, a dental filling is necessary when you experience tooth decay. To begin, your dentist will apply a topical anesthetic before an injectable anesthetic. So that you experience no discomfort or pain while receiving your filling. Next, they will drill into the decayed section of the tooth and remove all of the decay. Our dental office Wayland will carefully clean the area and filling it with a material like ceramics, resin, or another material.

Root Canal Procedure

If the tooth decay is more extensive, and is threatening the dental pulp at the heart of the tooth. A more serious procedure may be required to save the tooth. The root canal procedure involves cleaning out the inflamed or infected dental pulp and replacing it with an inert material like gutta-percha. Although the treated tooth will have lost its nerves and much of its blood supply. It can still obtain nutrients from surrounding tissues. A dental crown is normally placed after a root canal procedure to further protect the tooth.

Teeth Whitening

There are a number of types of teeth whitening treatments available today. One of the most common involves first isolating the treated tooth so that the soft tissues of the mouth do not come in contact with the whitening agent, normally some form of peroxide. The dentist may use a special light may to intensify the effects of the whitening gel. Sometimes, a patient will need to wear a tray at home for a specified amount of time until the desired shade of whitening is achieved.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are incredibly popular right now among those looking to repair minor cosmetic problems like small chips or staining. The procedure involves the placement of thin shells of porcelain onto the surface of the treated teeth. The shells are bonded into place permanently after they are created in a dental lab and placed in a subsequent appointment. Visit our Dental office Wayland.

For More Information

Feel free to contact your  dental office Wayland today at (781) 894-0347 to request additional information about any of our general or cosmetic dental procedures, or to schedule a consultation.    

Cosmetic Dentistry Wayland MA

Cosmetic Dentistry Wayland MA | The focus of general dentistry is on oral hygiene and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral disease. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry deals more with the appearance of the teeth and smile. In other words, general dentistry is about needed treatments, while cosmetic dentistry is about desired treatments and services. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry Wayland MA patients have five favorite cosmetic dental procedures that they rely upon to give them the megawatt smile that everyone desires.

Professional Teeth Whitening

It is not necessary to rely upon ineffective whitening kits, trays and gels. If you only require extremely mild whitening, they can help. But for most patients, a professional teeth whitening treatment is what is necessary to whiten the teeth several shades and brighten their smile.

Advantages of professional teeth whitening:

• Whitens teeth noticeably by several shades
• Boosts self-esteem and confidence
• Fast treatment
• Performed under professional supervision
• Less tooth sensitivity

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a very popular type of cosmetic treatment involving the placement of a thin shell of material onto the surface of teeth to correct minor cosmetic problems like discoloration and small chips.

Composite Veneers

Composite is a relatively inexpensive type of dental veneer involving the placement and molding of a malleable material directly onto the surface of treated teeth. After that, the material hardens. One drawback of composite is that it can become stained just like regular teeth when you drink dark-colored beverages or smoke tobacco.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain makes a superior construction material for veneers since it is highly stain resistant and durable. One drawback is that porcelain is more expensive and requires more than one dental appointment. At your first appointment, your dentist will form an impression of your teeth to be used in the creation of your porcelain veneers. A small amount of tooth enamel must be removed to make room for the porcelain veneers. At a follow-up appointment, your porcelain veneers will be actually placed once they have been received from the dental laboratory.  In short, cosmetic dentistry Wayland MA is life changing.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a type of “cap” for a tooth that has been damaged or undergone a root canal procedure. The crown can be colored to closely match surrounding teeth. It helps to strengthen teeth and improve their aesthetics.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an amazing innovation in the field of cosmetic dentistry Wayland MA  that gives patients both the look and function of original teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are a replacement for teeth that will not shift in the mouth or fall out. They are firmly anchored within the jawbone. At your initial implant appointment, your dentist will implant a metal post constructed from titanium. After your jawbone has fused around it, an abutment will be placed over the top of the post. Finally, a dental crown will provide a biting and chewing surface.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you should have any remaining questions about our cosmetic dentistry Wayland MA  procedures, please contact our Wayland dental office today to request additional information or to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.